Columbus, Ohio—The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, Ohio Grocers Foundation, Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association, and Ohio Department of Agriculture have partnered to launch a new initiative called OH So Fresh. The retail marketing campaign is designed to raise consumer awareness about Ohio grown specialty crops by giving Ohioans expanded opportunities to sample and purchase locally grown, farm fresh produce from their local grocers.

Nearly 100 independently owned grocery retailers are participating in the OH So Fresh initiative in 2013. A full list of participating grocers is available here.

Ohio has more than 2,000 specialty crop growers providing everything from asparagus to zucchini.

“Although Ohio grown produce is abundant at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and through community supported agriculture programs, the majority of Ohioans turn to their local grocery stores for the bulk of their grocery purchases. That’s why it’s critical that growers and grocers are working together to offer locally grown food at these stores,” said Milo Petruziello, OEFFA Program Associate. “Shoppers increasingly want to support local farmers, and this marketing campaign will help to let them know what Ohio grown foods are available at their local grocery store.”

The campaign provides promotional materials to grocers, so customers will easily identify locally grown produce by the OH So Fresh label. Sampling and demonstration events will also take place at some stores; event announcements will be made on the campaign’s Facebook page throughout the summer and fall.

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The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 by farmers, gardeners, and conscientious eaters who committed to work together to create and promote a sustainable and healthful food and farming system. For more information, go towww.oeffa.org.